Studies on the utilization of Hura crepitans seed oil, aqueous extract of Curcuma longa L., aluminium, and magnesium metallic soaps in the preparation of emollient cream

Skin is one of the sense organs that if properly cared for not only helps in body temperature regulation but as a means for drug delivery. The use of locally sourced natural products for the preparation of value-added products in the area of health care products such as cosmetics is receiving a boost because of its environmentally benign nature. This study is aimed at using locally sourced triglyceride oils, magnesium and aluminium soaps for the preparation of emollient cream. Hura crepitans seed oil (HCSO) was extracted via solvent extraction method and characterized using standard methods. Aluminium and magnesium soaps were prepared from palm kernel oil sodium soap through the precipitation method. The metallic soaps were characterized using standard methods. Four emollient cream samples (CAM-1, CAM-2, CAM-3 and CAM-4) were prepared using an aqueous extract of turmeric, the metallic soaps as thickeners and emulsifiers, shea butter and Hura crepitans seed oil as the oil phase. The product stability was monitored for two years at ambient temperature. The percentage yield and the iodine, acid and saponification values of HCSO were determined as 87.93%, 145.90 gI2/100g, 3.25 mgKOH/g, and 183.34 mgKOH/g respectively. The melting points of aluminium and magnesium soaps were determined as 115 oC and 110 oC respectively. All the cream samples were very stable and exhibited a longer shelf life. Cream sample CAM-3 gave a jelly-like cream texture. HCSO, shea butter and other ingredients if properly harnessed can be a good starting material for the preparation of skincare products.